Question: I cannot CRISP into the course, what can I do?
Answer: We have been trying hard to accommodate everyone into the course. Last year, the enrollment for Psychology 360 was 120: this year, we have doubled the course enrollment to 240. Many of you who had problems getting into the course last year had no problems this year. However, some of you are still not able to CRISP into the course.
To get into the course, the best thing to do is to come to lecture and section of your choice, and keep calling. People do tend to drop, especially once classes start. Also, we are automatically dropping students who do not show up for the first 3 sections. So the bottom line is, although we cannot guarantee it, if you show up regularly, participate actively in section, and keep calling, you should have a good chance of CRISPing into the course.
Question: Can I switch sections?
Answer: You can only switch sections by CRISPing. Thus, if someone from the section you want drops and open up a slot, then you can call in to CRISP into the section. If you know that you cannot attend the section you are currently enrolled in, you should drop the course so that others can CRISP into it.
Question: Are you giving overrides into the course?
Answer: No. Overrides are not available at this time. You may get into the course by CRISPing into a spot that is opened as people drop. In our experience there will be room for most people who really want to get into the course. You must attend the lectures and the section that you want to CRISP into. People who do not attend the first four sections will be dropped automatically to make room for those who do attend.
Question: A friend of mine wants to switch to my section, and I want to switch to hers. What shall we do?
Answer: Again, you can only do that by CRISPing. I suggest that you both get on the phone together, and as one of you drop the section, the other can CRISP into it.
Question: What is the purpose of section? Will section be redundant if I understand everything in the lecture.
Answer: Sections serve four key purposes. First, the GSI's will present new material related to the lecture. Second, you will learn this new material via experiential exercises and discussion format. Third, the GSI's will guide you through your group project in section. Last, your GSI can also answer questions and clarify key points from the lecture. In short, there will be a significant portion of material presented in section that does not overlap the lectures. It is imperative that you go to section even if you understand the lecture material.
Question: I have to miss section at least once during the first three section meetings. What will happen to me?
Answer: You will be automatically dropped from the section, so that others will be allowed to CRISP into your slot. There will be no exceptions to this policy.
Question: I am shy and get nervous about participating in section. Why does participation count so much in the grade? What can I do?
Answer: One purpose of section is so that you can learn from one another via discussions. However, if you keep your thoughts to yourself, the whole class suffers because nobody can reap the benefits of your reactions, ideas, and comments. The best way to ease your nervousness about participation is to come to section PREPARED. If you have read the materials thoughtfully, and have come up with specific questions, issues and critiques before section, you will feel more confident about speaking up. Also, you should talk to your GSI: she will have many ideas about how to make it easier to participate in class.
Question: What makes up my grade?
Answer: Your grade is composed of two exams, a group project, and a participation grade. See the syllabus for more details.
Question: What can I expect from my GSI?
Answer: Your GSI is here to help you understand the course material. You can expect your GSI to come to section prepared to help make the material more clear and to conduct activities in section that allow you to understand the ideas more fully. Your GSI will answer questions and help you work through course material by holding discussion sections, office hours, and answering requests in a reasonable time frame. You can expect answers to your questions via email within 48 hours.
Question: How is the project graded?
Answer: Everyone in the group will get the same grade for all project assignments.
Question: There is one person in the group who does not contribute to the group project. What can I do?
Answer: First thing you should do is talk to your GSI: she will have ideas about how to deal with this person. Another thing you can do is to exercise the "0" point option. If at least two-thirds of your group agree on this, you may request that the individual not receive any credit for the project, and that individual will get 0 points for the group project. If your group is considering using this option, you must let your GSI and the individual know by Nov 15.
Question: Can we request that one individual get a lower grade than the rest of the group?
Answer: No. Either everyone gets the same grade for all project assignments, or one person will get "0" points (assuming that all the above conditions for the "0" option are met).
Question: What if we hand in an assignment late?
Answer: The late assignment policy for the whole class is this--hand in the assignment within 24-48 hours of the deadline and you will get 50% credit. Hand in the assignment after 48 hours and you will receive no credit.
Question: What is on the exams?
Answer: There will be a variety of multiple choice, true/false, short answer, and essay questions on the exams.
Question: Will there be exam reviews?
Answer: Yes. We will have formal exam reviews conducted in sections. If you are nervous about the exams or need exam accommodations, please see your GSI as soon as possible for help.
Question: What if I have to miss an exam?
Answer: Because the exams are held on regularly scheduled days of lecture, you should not have to miss an exam. You are expected to be in lecture and to take the exams when they are scheduled.
Question: Where can I purchase the coursepack?
Answer: The coursepack can be purchased at Dollar Bill Copying, at 611 Church Street. The price is $15.57, plus tax.
Question: What will help me do well in this course?
Answer: There are many ways to improve your performance in the course. This may be one of the few times in your life that you are challenged to think deeply about an issue and you also have the benefit of 30 other people thinking about it with you. Use this discussion section to ask questions of clarification, to evaluate the evidence given for the arguments, and to advance your own understanding of the material. Most discussion sections will involve activities that require your active participation. The more you can get into the activities and use them to learn, the better the course will be for you.
You will get more out of the course by doing the readings for class before the lectures, and attending the lectures will make the course come alive for you. Write down your questions as you read, and bring them to section or come to office hours, or send email to your GSI. If you’re having trouble with a reading, call or email your GSI. The more clearly you understand the readings, the better you’ll do in the class.